Lahore: Pakistan's outgoing coach Waqar Younis says his team will have to guard against complacency and put up a disciplined performance to beat Zimbabwe in their own backyard in the coming Test and limited-overs series for which the side left for Harare on Thursday.
Pakistan squad that includes former captain Shoaib Malik -- back after a one-year gap -- and some new faces left this morning for a tour during which they will play a Test, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches.
It is Pakistan's first bilateral tour to Zimbabwe since 2002/2003.
"Zimbabwe has played some disciplined and planned cricket to beat Bangladesh for which they deserve credit and respect.
Our team will also treat this series with great importance and there is no question of any complacency in our side," Waqar, who will step down as coach after the tour, told reporters at the airport.
He pointed out that Zimbabwe were a resurgent side and eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
"They have made a comeback to Test cricket after nearly six years and they have inducted some new players so they are hungry to make their mark and we have to be very careful to play disciplined and patient cricket," he said.
The former Test captain also noted that the Pakistan squad included a number of young players who were touring Zimbabwe for the first time so it would be a learning experience for them.
"We are not underestimating Zimbabwe at all and we know it is going to be a tough series but we have lot of exciting talent and also the presence of some proven performers in Younis, Misbah, Hafeez and now Malik," Waqar said.
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